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UPWARD STUDENTS SEEKS TO CALL YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN TO "PRESS ON TOWARD THE GOAL FOR THE PRIZE OF THE UPWARD CALL OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS" THROUGH REAL, AUTHENTIC DEVOTION TO GOD AND FELLOWSHIP WITH ONE ANOTHER. WE WILL SUSTAIN THIS BY DEEP STUDY OF GOD'S WORD, PRAYER, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND LOVING SERVICE TO THE FAMILY OF GOD.
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UPWARD SVBC STUDENTSIt is our mission to provide an atmosphere of discipleship and community that encourages students and families to come into a loving, devoted relationship with God, passionately pursuing wisdom and righteousness where all involved Treasure, Follow, Learn, and Lead...
Treasure: recognize the Treasure of Christ and the truth of God, His Word, His Creation, and salvation through Christ Follow: to see students and families living in authenticity passionate for the ultimate treasure of Christ Learn: growing in relationship with God and others, becoming nerdy theologians that hunger and thirst for righteousness and truth Lead: loving the truth and others enough to rely on Christ and demonstrate His best for the world around us |
MEETING TIMESWednesday Night - 6:30pm - 8pm - Room 302
- Fellowship, teaching, worship, games, etc. Sunday Morning - 9:30am - 11am - Room 302 - Grade & gender specific small groups that meet for bible study. |
UPWARD SVBC STUDENTS PILLARS
2025-2026 Focus
From the time students are in 6th grade, we have 7 years with them until graduation. Each year, we will be intentional to focus on one motif that is aimed at illuminating what it means to walk with God by Faith in Jesus Christ. Through exegetical teaching and personal application, we strive to let God work and transform hearts and minds.
For 2025-2026, our focus is on wisdom. By God's grace, He has breathed out in His Word markers that we can look towards that help us measure our growth and maturity in Christ according to His plans and purposes. Simply put, wisdom is embracing God and living in His truth. We will look at the 7 Marks/Motifs of Wisdom pulled from the book of Proverbs before walking through an inductive study of Genesis. The purpose in doing this is to answer an ever-important question: how does a holy and just God interact with His sinful people? Throughout the study, we will see God's providence in leading men and women to a "better country" by faith that ultimately came through the cross (Hebrews 11:16).
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Where do you meet?
We meet in the youth wing of the church in room 302. Follow the parking lot arrows around to the back of the building.
what should i expect?
We invite you to come relaxed and ready to let go of shallow! We are not a hype machine that tries to entertain; instead, we purposefully pursue authenticity as we follow after God. None of us are perfect or pretend to be, but we also know that God loves us where we are and too much to leave us in that state. God wants us to grow in Christ! Because of that, you will find adults and students in our group who will genuinely care for you and always speak the truth in love (even if it's uncomfortable).
We do maintain a Code during our time together for the sake of healthy fellowship:
We do maintain a Code during our time together for the sake of healthy fellowship:
- Honor Our Purpose
- Honor This Place
- Honor Our Time
- Honor Each Other
- Honor Authority
What should my student bring?
We know that we forget 80-85% of what we hear within 24 hours unless we write it down. So, bring your bible, a notebook, and a good attitude!
What is available for parents during this time?
Our church has many great journey groups and equip classes that meet during the 6:30pm service time. If you'd like more information, you can find these details on the main webpage!
How can i stay up to date?
We have a "youth parents" opt-in text thread that we can set you up in to receive updates about special events, announcements, or any other information we might send out. Please find Matthew Ferri to join!
Middle School Meeting Times
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Wednesdays: 6:30PM in Room 302
- Combined guys and girls fellowship and study that provides a time of deeper interaction with Scripture and its application to life. |
Sundays: 9:30AM in Room 302
- Middle School Guys Journey Group - Middle School Girls Journey Group |
HIGH SCHOOL
How does the high school group differ from the middle school group in depth of teaching?
Though we study the same material as the middle school groups, our conversations with high schoolers are intentionally geared towards their developmental abilities and needs. For instance, you will find a stronger emphasis on things like identity, personal exegetical development, etc.
What should my student expect during this time?
Much like our middle school meeting time (read in the above FAQs), your student can expect to be surrounded by peers and adults who want them to passionately pursue an authentic relationship with God. We take this time of study very seriously because we believe God will speak to us through His Word. However, we also play hard! After study and at other times throughout the year, we will gather to have fellowship that is meant to build deep friendships that build us up in the love of Christ!
What programs do you offer for students getting ready to graduate?
We believe wholeheartedly in equipping our students for a future of service and devotion to God in every sphere of life. To that end, we intentionally plan trips and activities that provide them with the tools of discernment, experiences and interactive learning, vision casting for their life, and much more! What we offer for high schoolers (with more to come!): college preview trips; annual weekend retreat; Student Leadership University; other fellowship and leadership activities!
A Purposeful Partnership
Student Leadership University is a faith-based, experiential leadership-training program that empowers, enables and equips students to rise to the call of leadership and awaken their potential. A student leadership journey like none other, SLU offers unforgettable experiences that equip students to change the way they think, dream and lead, both today and for the rest of their lives.
SLU puts students in the ultimate classrooms around the U.S. and world, offering four progressive, cumulative experiences designed to grow students’ faith, teach them to lead and gain a vision for the future through a Christian worldview. Whether they go behind-the-scenes at Sea World, explore our Nation’s Capital, immerse themselves in history in Europe or walk where Jesus walked in Israel, at SLU, young people learn to think bigger, ignite their calling, impact their world and lead like Jesus.
Southview's History with SLU
In 2012, Southview made the choice to engage summer programs that brought a much deeper level of discipleship for our high school students. SLU proved to be the perfect partner to work with in complimenting the school year programs that were already in place as they call students to the same level of discipleship and growth that Southview expects.
While SLU in some ways replaces the typical summer camp experience for high school, it is not camp...it is a leadership training conference with four distinct levels. Our goal is to see our high school students embrace the call to maturity. We have seen the evidence that SLU is a catalyst in this process!
Check out the links to information on how SLU and Southview interact...to learn more about the organization that is SLU, please check out their link!
SLU puts students in the ultimate classrooms around the U.S. and world, offering four progressive, cumulative experiences designed to grow students’ faith, teach them to lead and gain a vision for the future through a Christian worldview. Whether they go behind-the-scenes at Sea World, explore our Nation’s Capital, immerse themselves in history in Europe or walk where Jesus walked in Israel, at SLU, young people learn to think bigger, ignite their calling, impact their world and lead like Jesus.
Southview's History with SLU
In 2012, Southview made the choice to engage summer programs that brought a much deeper level of discipleship for our high school students. SLU proved to be the perfect partner to work with in complimenting the school year programs that were already in place as they call students to the same level of discipleship and growth that Southview expects.
While SLU in some ways replaces the typical summer camp experience for high school, it is not camp...it is a leadership training conference with four distinct levels. Our goal is to see our high school students embrace the call to maturity. We have seen the evidence that SLU is a catalyst in this process!
Check out the links to information on how SLU and Southview interact...to learn more about the organization that is SLU, please check out their link!
SLU 101 Orlando
SLU 101 provides a year’s worth of leadership development in just 4 days. This dynamic experience allows attendees to learn from world-class thought leaders in creative and participatory environments inside and outside of the conference room. SLU teaches each student practical and relational life skills to change the way they think, dream and lead at the feet of Jesus.
SLU 201 - Washington D.C.
Building on the foundation of personal leadership learned at SLU 101, SLU 201 will equip you to lead as a citizen. Experience the monuments and sites of Washington DC and engage with thought leaders in our government. Speakers include congressmen and women, chaplains and military leaders.
SLU 301 - London, Oxford, Normandy, and Paris
Inherit the Past. Shape the Future. Continue your leadership journey by learning to think bigger about the world as we dive deep into history around Europe. We want you to experience the sacrifices made in the past and consider the worldviews of great philosophers who have paved the way for us. At SLU 301, you will learn you are called to shape history and leave a legacy for Jesus that is larger than yourself.
SLU 401 - Israel and Jordan
Leadership Begins at the Feet of Jesus. The final step of the SLU journey begins at the birthplace of our faith. After you walk through Scripture at SLU 401, in the footsteps of the most incredible servant leader and teacher our world has ever known, you will never read the Bible the same way again. Not only is faith brought to life, but you will better understand your role in God’s redemptive story and that true leadership begins at the feet of Jesus.
***Given the current political landscape of Israel, SLU has adapted 401 to the Mediterranean world of Greece***
SLU 101 provides a year’s worth of leadership development in just 4 days. This dynamic experience allows attendees to learn from world-class thought leaders in creative and participatory environments inside and outside of the conference room. SLU teaches each student practical and relational life skills to change the way they think, dream and lead at the feet of Jesus.
SLU 201 - Washington D.C.
Building on the foundation of personal leadership learned at SLU 101, SLU 201 will equip you to lead as a citizen. Experience the monuments and sites of Washington DC and engage with thought leaders in our government. Speakers include congressmen and women, chaplains and military leaders.
SLU 301 - London, Oxford, Normandy, and Paris
Inherit the Past. Shape the Future. Continue your leadership journey by learning to think bigger about the world as we dive deep into history around Europe. We want you to experience the sacrifices made in the past and consider the worldviews of great philosophers who have paved the way for us. At SLU 301, you will learn you are called to shape history and leave a legacy for Jesus that is larger than yourself.
SLU 401 - Israel and Jordan
Leadership Begins at the Feet of Jesus. The final step of the SLU journey begins at the birthplace of our faith. After you walk through Scripture at SLU 401, in the footsteps of the most incredible servant leader and teacher our world has ever known, you will never read the Bible the same way again. Not only is faith brought to life, but you will better understand your role in God’s redemptive story and that true leadership begins at the feet of Jesus.
***Given the current political landscape of Israel, SLU has adapted 401 to the Mediterranean world of Greece***
HIGH SCHOOL MEETING TIMES
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Wednesdays: 6:30PM in Room 302
- Combined guys and girls time of fellowship and study for deeper interaction with the Scriptures and its application to life. |
Sundays: 9:30AM in Room 302
- High School Guys Journey Group - High School Girls Journey Group |
Serving in Upward SVBC Students
Each member of our leadership team has a passion to see students deeply connected to God and walking in authenticity with Him. In order to do so, leaders are committed to living their lives in the shadow of Christ knowing that students will follow the examples of leadership. Each leader is in good standing with the church and community; each meets the student ministry age requirement of at least 21 (some wish they were still 21); each leader undergoes an annual extensive background search for the protection of all involved; and each leader meets all the requirements of the church’s youth/children volunteer policy!
